Peres at July 4th Celebration: Thank You For Being Our Friend

Peres during event in honor of U.S. Independence Day: Despite our differences, the U.S. and Israel share many things.

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Elad Benari, 01/07/11 01:03 | updated: 05:16

Peres and Netanyahu at July 4th Celebration

Israel News photo: Flash 90

A special event in honor of U.S. Independence Day, which will be celebrated on Monday, took place on Thursday at the home of U.S. Ambassador to Israel, James Cunningham.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, government ministers and other Knesset members.

Peres, who spoke at the event, congratulated the U.S. and said, “All of us know that a world without the U.S. would be the greatest mistake of all. America became for most of us the Indispensable Nation. Then and now.”

He thanked the U.S. for being Israel’s friend, saying: “We thank you for standing up for what is right and just and fair. Thank you for defending freedom, safeguarding liberty, searching for peace, protecting democracy, advancing our shared values. Thank you America for being our friend and our ally.

Peres also thanked President Barack Obama, saying: “Thank you President Barack Obama, for your leadership, for your deep and moving ongoing and unwavering commitment to the peace and security of our land.

“Despite the disparity in size, resources, and power, the United States and Israel share many things,” added Peres. “Core values. A world outlook. A similar fundamental rejection of injustice, and similar aspirations for the world’s future.”

The Israeli President noted that both Israel and America “cherish peace with our neighbors, and treasure a democratic new Middle East as a great promise for all of our children. And we shall win.”